Reviews by jdklks:

S- smell is of citrus hops, apricot, peach, and other fruits. a slight malt and alcohol smell is apparent, but barely.

T- dry on the palate all the way through. hops everywhere. the fruit flavors are more subtle than would be expected from the smell. for all its hoppiness, the malt is much more prevalent than expected. a warming alcohol sensation on the way down.

More User Reviews:

It feels weird to me to rate an experimental beer that changes, as far as I know, every year. But this is one very drinkable DIPA. Almost creamy without being cloying. Perfect amount of bitterness. Not too fruity or citrusy. Really damn good IPA. Sure it could be prettier but who cares. Glad I snuck this into the grocery cart today. (334 characters)

EyesPoured a dark gold body with a slight orange glow. Fluffy head formed, a little over an inch deep, collapsed, and left a tremendous amount of foamy lacing throughout.

NoseSweet notes of tropical fruit were prominent. Notes of grapefruit and lemon peel definitely suggested this brew had bitter tendencies. Herbal and spiced hops mingled with sweet toasted malts. I definitely picked up a whiff or two of alcohol as well.

MouthSweet and juicy hops hit the tongue first. Sweet notes of orange and pineapple took a tart turn, letting bitter notes of grapefruit and lemon break through. Earthier hops settled in the lower levels near the malts. Subtle notes of pine were followed by a very minor presence of toasted grains. Definitely a dry finish with a decent hit of alcohol. Medium bodied, leaning toward the full side of the spectrum. Moderate/low carbonation.

NotesAs far as DIPAs go, this one is certainly not "in your face" as far as hop intensity is concerned. Great focus on the middle tones of the hops, rather than the often overly-bitter takes on this style. My biggest beef with this brew would be the ABV... 9.3% and I definitely tasted it. Regardless, I am looking forward to next year's version! (1,448 characters)

Glad to get a fresh bottle.Poured into an imperial nonic a brilliant burtn orange with a large sticky white crown that settled slowly leaving broken globs of lace behind.Big fruity hop,overripe pineapple,grapefruit,and tangerine aromas abound overtop of a healthy caramel malt base,no alcohol really detected.Citric fruit flavor with not a real bitter edge to the hop profile,not as sweet as way to many of the style are, although there is a caramel sweetness to it,the alcohol stays pretty well hidden for the style but is noticeable.Big and fruity with not really any stinging alcohol,Deschutes kicks ass. (607 characters)

A: A nice clear amber complexion with slight tints of orange and red. Off-white or ivory head that retains very well.

S: More going on here than I initially thought. Fruity aromas range from apricot, orange/tangerine, lemon, and even a slight hint of grapefruit when you give it a real wiff. There is also a nicely balance touch of hops that resonates through the fruity aromas and makes you clearly aware that your drinking a hoppy beer, but more of a friendly reminder than a slap to the smeller. Also the alcohol plays well in the overall aroma (another pleasant reminder of the fun to come).

T: A very well balanced mix of husky hops, fruity sweetness, solid malt, alcohol and even a slight slight bit of smokiness towards the end. The hops blend so well with the fruit signatures (the same of which are present in the smell) that you instantly forget your putting back 95 IBU's, but as you go through the several stages of flavors you end up right back with a refreshing hoppy taste. So don't worry about taking your eye off the ball. The alcohol also accompanies the hops very well.

M: To be honest it really surprises me how this beer is able to hold such a medium bodied feel when looking at it on paper. The carbonation that remains very well intact keeps the beer balanced through and through, even when it opens up. This pleasant mid-body allows one to really enjoy the great balance of the hoppy bitterness, fruit and malt taste.

D: The first time I had this beer was off tap and man oh man did I love it. But now that I have sat down at home and had it out of the bottle at my own leisure I have to say it surpassed what I remembered from before. This is a great great example of what Deschutes has to offer. But more than that this beer can break down a lot of doors for tentative drinkers who have misconceptions of what higher IBU beers can be about. Its balance will find a wide variety of fans in my opinion, and if you can snag one definitely try it!

Hop Henge IPA's big brother, "Imperial," has been released from its shackles. Centennial, Cascade and Northern Brewer hops are the catalysts for a bitter onslaught. A rating of 95 IBUs is the result of about three pounds of hops per barrel (31 gallons).

Chestnut in color with good clarity and small bubbles in advance. Full-looking head drops a sticking trim on the glass and has commendable retention. Deep herbal, spearmint, blond tobacco and citric-accented aroma from the hops. Creamy, semi-smooth mouthfeel with a dense medium body. Tangerine fruitiness moves on to a citric rind flavor, and the full-on hop bitterness sets in. The 8.1 percent ABV is a bit hidden but warms up the mouth after several sips. Bready, dry malt backbone holds strong even though a ceaseless bitterness barrels over it. Finishes with a dry, herbal character.

Deschutes really knows how to throw down. They may as well stop playing around and make this a year-round brew. Let's go the meat-and-potatoes route for this one; a pot of Hell's Fire Stew is fitting.

Pretty good, definitely a mouthful of flavor. Would be a nice compliment/combatant for some stinky blue cheese.

A little heavy on the tongue, with a bite of boozey aftertaste. Despite that, I hadn't noticed the ABV on the bottle, and was really surprised it was so high when I saw 10.6% here, so that says something. Actually I think I'm starting to believe it.

I'd drink it again with some potent cheese, but one glass is enough. (568 characters)

A - Pours a beautiful clear red-tinted brown with one and a half fingers of head, which leave a nice trail of sticky lacing.

S - Lots of hops, mostly citrus, but some florals as well, and what seems to be a bit of spearmint. Interesting and quite nice aroma. Also quite a bit of biscuit malts.

T - Despite being four months past best by date, this still has a healthy hop presence in the taste, again lots of citrus with some florals mixed in. Also has some sweetness up front. Finishes quite bitter, again with a faint taste of mint.